Tekken 3
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Tekken 3 - The Legendary Fighting Game
Experience the iconic 3D fighting game that redefined the genre. Choose from a roster of unique fighters, master their special moves, and battle your way to victory in this free online version of Namco's legendary arcade and PlayStation classic.
Game Features
- Classic Tekken 3 gameplay preserved in its full glory
- 21 unique characters, each with their own fighting styles and special moves
- Smooth 3D graphics that defined a generation of fighting games
- Multiple game modes including Arcade, VS, Survival, and Practice
- Responsive controls optimized for keyboard play
- No download needed - play instantly in your browser
- Free to play without restrictions
What is Tekken 3?
Tekken 3 is a landmark fighting game developed and published by Namco in 1997, first as an arcade game and later released for the PlayStation in 1998. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighting games of all time and a defining title in the 3D fighting genre.
The third installment in the Tekken series introduced a new generation of characters and significant gameplay improvements, including more fluid movement, faster combat, and a greater emphasis on sidesteps and 3D positioning. The game features a roster of 21 playable characters (including hidden ones), each with unique fighting styles ranging from traditional martial arts like Karate and Kung Fu to more exotic and fictional techniques.
Tekken 3's combination of accessible controls, deep gameplay mechanics, engaging characters, and technical innovations helped it become one of the most successful fighting games ever made, selling over 8 million copies on PlayStation alone and cementing the Tekken franchise as a cornerstone of fighting game culture.
How to Play Tekken 3
Tekken 3 is easy to pick up but offers depth for those willing to master its systems:
- Choose a character from the diverse roster of fighters
- Learn the basic controls:
- Directional keys control movement
- Four attack buttons: Left Punch, Right Punch, Left Kick, Right Kick
- Combinations of these buttons create different attacks
- Master special moves by entering specific button combinations
- Use sidesteps (by double-tapping up or down) to move in 3D and avoid attacks
- Chain attacks together to create combos for maximum damage
- Block incoming attacks by holding back on the directional keys
- Learn your character's unique throws to break through an opponent's defense
Each character has their own move list and fighting style, so experimenting with different fighters is key to finding one that matches your playstyle. Practice mode is perfect for mastering complex moves before taking on opponents.
Why Play Tekken 3?
Tekken 3 offers a timeless fighting game experience with several compelling reasons to play:
- Experience a piece of gaming history that influenced all fighting games that followed
- Enjoy accessible yet deep gameplay that rewards both casual players and fighting game enthusiasts
- Discover a diverse cast of characters with unique personalities and fighting styles
- Test your reflexes and execution with fast-paced, technical combat
- Master the strategic depth of 3D movement and positioning
- Relive the golden age of arcade fighting games from the comfort of your browser
- Challenge yourself against increasingly difficult AI opponents
- Perfect your skills in practice mode before testing them in combat
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the best characters for beginners in Tekken 3?
Law, Paul, and King are generally considered beginner-friendly characters with straightforward moves and good damage output. Nina and Xiaoyu are also popular choices with versatile movesets. For absolute beginners, Eddy Gordo's capoeira style is famously accessible with its flowing attacks.
What made Tekken 3 so revolutionary?
Tekken 3 refined 3D fighting mechanics with improved movement, reduced jumping height for more grounded combat, and the introduction of sidesteps. It also featured significantly improved graphics, a diverse roster with memorable new characters like Jin Kazama and Hwoarang, and additional game modes beyond standard arcade battles.
How do I perform special moves and combos?
Special moves in Tekken 3 are performed using specific combinations of directional inputs and attack buttons. For example, Jin's Laser Scraper is executed by pressing forward, neutral, down, down-forward plus right punch. The game rewards timing and precision, with many combos requiring specific rhythms of button presses.
Are there any secret or hidden characters?
Yes! Tekken 3 features several hidden characters that can be unlocked, including Gon (a small dinosaur), Dr. Boskonovitch (an elderly scientist with unique falling-down moves), and the powerful True Ogre (the final boss's transformed state).
What are the different game modes available?
Our online version preserves the original's main modes, including Arcade (battle through a series of opponents), VS Mode (play against another player), Survival (fight as many opponents as possible with one life bar), and Practice (train with no time limit or damage).